Horticulture Director chez COASTAL MAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS

Description

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring a Horticulture Director! 

Are you a collaborative, communicative, and skilled leader, excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility goals? 

This is a year-round, full-time, benefits-eligible position. 

$90,000 – 100,000 salaried, exempt 

The Horticulture Director is a central leadership role responsible for the aesthetic vision, maintenance, and strategic development of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens cultivated areas and landscapes, ensuring the gardens, grounds, and trails are beautifully planted, presented, and maintained. The position provides clear leadership and oversight of a team of approximately 30 horticulturists, seasonal gardeners, and interns at the height of the growing season, and directs an approximately 1.4 million-dollar budget. This position is a key stakeholder in operations planning for and shared oversight of a new 32 million-dollar Horticulture and Plant Science facility opening in January 2027 and the development of new capital projects such as a glasshouse and surrounding new gardens.  

The Director is a key spokesperson and ambassador for the organization in all communications and with our peers nationally and internationally. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, communicative, and skilled leader who will help define and implement the Gardens' unique vision for these major projects and our gardens while maintaining exceptional horticultural standards across all areas.   

Primary Functions:

Horticulture, Design, and Maintenance

• Provide aesthetic vision and inspirational horticultural displays in alignment within design standards underscoring Maine’s sense of place    
• Set and implement strategic and annual goals in collaboration with the VP of Plants and Science.   
• Manage overall plant health, soil nutrition, and ecologically sustainable practices, including Integrated Pest Management.   
• Lead and ensure adherence to organization’s policies (Living Collections, Tree Care, IMP), procedures, and collections ethics    
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including OSHA.   
• Oversee plant production, propagation, nursery operations, and seasonal display plans.   
• Manage garden installation, maintenance, renovation, and external contractor relationships.   
• Develop and manage a 1.4-million-dollar horticulture budget  

People Leadership   

• Lead and build a positive and professional team culture within the Horticulture Department, which includes 4 managers, ~14 full time horticulturists/specialists, ~ 8 seasonal gardeners, 3 seasonal interns, and ~25 volunteers.   
• Directly supervise and develop horticulture managers and IPM specialist.   
• Develop, maintain, and promote positive and professional relationships with internal staff, volunteers, members, vendors, contractors, media, and the general public.    
• Ensure effective training and safety programs are in place for all team members.   
• Lead and coordinate all high-level initiatives of the department    
• Manage performance and disciplinary issues as needed.??  
• Collaborative, Cross-Functional, and External Work  
• Collaborate with the Plant Science and Collections Department to support team culture, advance shared conservation goals, and maintain accurate records.   
• Collaborate with Facilities Department on capital projects, irrigation, hardscaping and gardens installation and renewal projects.   
• Represent the Gardens externally to national and local partners, plant associations, and agencies.   
• Act as an organizational ambassador, giving tours, presentations, teaching, and providing content for marketing and communications.   
• Partner with the Education Department initiatives promoting ecologically sustainable horticulture practices.  
• Promote and integrate Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility principles into internal operations and guest relations. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Much of the work is performed out of doors exposed to all climatic conditions: heat, cold, wind, sun, rain, and snow.?  
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs.?  
• Stand, walk, kneel, and move for long periods of time.?  
• Operate standard horticulture machinery.? 

Applications will be reviewed starting October 9th and continuing until the position is filled

Interview process:  

Interview 1: Virtual interview with VP of Plants and Science, President + CEO, and Horticulture Manager  

Interview 2: In-person interview with VP of Plants and Science, President + CEO, Horticulture Managers and representatives of other departments.  

Requirements

Education:

• BS or MS degree (preferred) in horticulture or plant science.  

Experience:

• At least eight years of experience in horticulture, garden, or landscape management, with public garden experience strongly preferred.   
• Minimum of five years of public garden or related management experience, with proven success leading and motivating diverse teams.   
• Experience with garden construction management and capital project implementation.   
• Demonstrated success leading and motivating a diverse team to achieve goals. Ability to set clear goals and expectations for a team and develop repeatable systems and processes to efficiently manage work.    
• Demonstrated experience in public speaking and writing for popular audiences  

Skills & Knowledge:

• Deep knowledge of horticultural best practices, sustainable and conservatory practices, and native and other ornamental plants suitable for Maine gardens.   
• Demonstrated ability in designing and installing displays.   
• Familiarity with plant culture, pest diagnostics, and pesticide regulations.   
• Skilled in budget management and strategic planning.  

Other:   

• Integrity and professional ethics.   
• Proactive, hands-on professional with a collaborative style and a strong service mentality. Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. Adept at negotiation, mentoring, influencing, and developing relationships at all levels of the organization.?   
• Positive, innovative, and inspiring leader who can delegate, manage, and prioritize responsibilities with clarity and confidence.?   
• Excellent operational leader who can build a strong, high-functioning team that has clear goals, roles, and processes.?   
• Enthusiastic advocate internally and externally for making the Gardens beautiful and engaging for a diverse audience.?  
• Commitment to working across the organization to support the integration of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility principles into the Gardens' internal operations and its relationships with visitors and guests.